Beard guard for use with face shields and facemasks

ABSTRACT

The facemask includes a face portion configured to cover a nose and a mouth of a wearer. The facemask includes a facial hair portion configured to cover a chin of the wearer. The face portion and the facial hair portion are arranged and connected at a first seam such that particulates are prevented from passing from a first side of the face piece to a second side.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from provisional U.S. Pat. Appl. No.62/936,253, filed on Nov. 15, 2019, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to devices for covering facialhair, and more specifically, to beard guards and similar devices thatkeep facial hair from contaminating a hygienic environment, such as anexamination room or a surgical suite.

Description of the Related Art

Protective facial wearables are common place in various industriesacross the country and world. From health care to food preparation tocomputer chip fabrication, protective facial wearables (for example,facemasks, face shields, beard guards, and so forth) are worn to protectnot only the person (also referenced herein as the “wearer”) wearing theprotective facial wearable but also the environment (for example, thepatient, the food product, the computer chip, and so forth). Variousconfigurations of protective facial wearables exist. However, existingprotective facial wearables do not enable ease of use while providingcomfort and stability when worn. For example, current protective facialwearables may include separate components that are individually attachedto or affixed do the wearer. Thus, the wearer may have two or threedifferent wearables on his/her face, each having its own straps orstrings to hold the wearable on the wearer's face (for example, loopedaround the wearer's ears). This many straps or strings may beuncomfortable, especially if the wearer wears the wearables for manyhours. Additionally, the separate wearables may result in one or moreportions of the wearer's face being relatively uncovered by any wearableat places where the wearables meet. For example, because the wearablesare not connected together, the lack of a “seam” where the wearablesmeet may result in spaces between the wearables, which may allow facialhair or other “contaminants” from the wearer to be exposed to thehygienic environment.

As such, alternatives for protective facial wearables that provideimproved comfort and protection are desirable.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of systems, methods and devices within the scope ofthe appended claims each have several aspects, no single one of which issolely responsible for the desirable attributes described herein.Without limiting the scope of the appended claims, some prominentfeatures are described herein.

Details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described inthis specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and thedescription below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will becomeapparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Note thatthe relative dimensions of the following figures may not be drawn toscale.

In one aspect, a face piece or facemask is described. The face piece orfacemask has a first side and a second side and is configured to blockfirst particulates and second particulates. The face piece or face maskcomprises face portion configured to cover a nose and a mouth of awearer, a facial hair portion configured to cover a chin of the wearer,and a first seam connecting the face portion and the facial hairportion. The face portion and the facial hair portion are arranged andconnected such that the first particulates and the second particulatesare prevented from passing from the first side of the face piece to thesecond side at the first seam.

In one aspect, a face piece or facemask is described. The facemaskincludes a face portion configured to cover a nose and a mouth of awearer and a facial hair portion. The face portion includes one or morefirst breathable layers configured to prevent conveyance of firstparticulates of a first size from a first side to a second side of theface piece and one or more face straps configured to extend to andaround at least one portion of the wearer's head and hold the faceportion in a position covering the nose and mouth of the wearer. Thefacial hair portion is configured to cover a chin of the wearer andincludes one or more second breathable layers configured to preventconveyance of second particulates of a second size from the first sideto the second side of the facial piece, the second size being largerthan the first size and one or more straps configured to hold the facialhair portion in a second position such that a majority of facial hair ofthe wearer is arranged within a cavity formed on the first side of theface piece by the one or more breathable layers of the facial hairportion. The face portion and the facial hair portion are arranged andconnected such that the first particulates and the second particulatesare prevented from passing from the first side of the face piece to thesecond side at a first seam where the first portion and the facial hairportion are connected.

In another aspect, another face piece is described. The other face pieceincludes a face portion and a facial hair portion. The face portion isconfigured to cover a nose and a mouth of a wearer and includes one ormore first breathable layers and one or more face straps attached to theone or more first breathable layers. The facial hair portion isconfigured to cover a chin of the wearer and includes one or more secondbreathable layers and one or more straps attached to the one or moresecond breathable layers, wherein the face portion and the facial hairportion are arranged and connected at a first seam.

In another aspect, a method of wearing a face piece is described. Themethod comprises positioning a face portion of the face piece to cover anose and a mount of a wearer. The face portion comprises one or morefirst breathable layers and one or more face straps attached to the oneor more first breathable layers. The method further comprisespositioning a facial hair portion to cover a chin and beard of thewearer. The facial hair portion comprises one or more second breathablelayers and one or more straps attached to the one or more secondbreathable layers. The face portion and the facial hair portion arearranged and connected at a first seam.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a person wearing a combination beard guard, facemask, andface shield wearable.

FIG. 2 is a close up of front side of the combination beard guard,facemask, and face shield wearable of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a close up of a back side of the combination beard guard,facemask, and face shield wearable of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a beard guard wearable having straps attachedthereto to hold the beard guard in place on a person.

FIG. 5A shows a diagram of a front view of a first option of the beardguard and the facemask of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5B shows a diagram of a side view of the first option of the beardguard and the facemask of FIG. 1 including one or more straps to holdthe beard guard and a tether to hold the facemask in place on a person'shead.

FIG. 5C shows a diagram of a front view of a second option of the beardguard and the facemask of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5D shows a diagram of a side view of the second option of the beardguard and the facemask of FIG. 1 including one strap to hold the beardguard and the facemask in place on a person's head.

FIG. 5E shows a diagram of a front view of a third option of the beardguard and the facemask of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5F shows a diagram of a side view of the third option of the beardguard and the facemask of FIG. 1 including straps to hold the beardguard and the facemask in place on a person's head.

The various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn toscale. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may bearbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of thedrawings may not depict all of the components of a given system, methodor device. Finally, like reference numerals may be used to denote likefeatures throughout the specification and figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments and isnot intended to represent the only embodiments in which the inventionmay be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this descriptionmeans “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should notnecessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over otherexemplary embodiments. The detailed description includes specificdetails for providing a thorough understanding of the exemplaryembodiments. In some instances, some devices are shown in block diagramform.

The present disclosure includes a plurality of protective facialwearables that may be worn or used by a person in combination orseparately. For example, in various settings different protective facialwearables may be worn to reduce risk of infection for the person wearingthe protective facial wearable (for example, from those people in thevicinity of the person) but also those people in the vicinity of theperson wearing the protective facial wearable (for example, from theperson wearing the protective facial wearable).

Additionally, the protective facial wearables may be worn inenvironments that contain microorganisms that cause infection to alsoreduce risk of infection to the person wearing the wearables.Specifically, the protective facial wearables may prevent thosemicroorganisms (for example, bacteria, fungi, yeast, molds, viruses, andso forth) in the air and/or on various surfaces from being spread to theperson wearing the protective facial wearables through the person'seyes, nose, and/or mouth when the protective facial wearable covers theperson's eyes, nose, and mouth.

In some embodiments, the person may be one or more individual protectivefacial wearables. For example, the person may wear a facemask, a faceshield, and a beard guard, where each of these wearables are independentand/or separate protective facial wearables. For example, the facemaskincludes (1) a portion that covers at least part of the person's face(for example, the person's mouth and/or nose) and (2) one or moreelastic bands or ties to hold the facemask in place on the person'sface. The portion that covers the part of the person's face may beformed from one or more filtering materials. The face shield may include(1) a portion that covers at least a portion of the person's eyes and(2) one or more elastic bands or ties to hold the face shield in placeon the person's face. The portion that covers the person's eyes may bemade of a transparent but impervious material that allows the person tosee through the face shield but remain protected from objects enteringthe person's eyes. The beard guard may include (1) a portion that coversat least a portion of the person's beard or other facial hair and (2) aone or more elastic bands or ties to hold the beard guard in place onthe person's face.

FIG. 1 illustrates a person wearing a beard guard 220, a facemask 202,and a face shield 240 separately or as a combined wearable. As shown,the beard guard 220 covers, encloses, and/or contains the entirety ofthe person's beard and other facial hair not covered by the facemask 202and/or the face shield 240. Therefore, the beard guard 220 prevents anyof the person's facial hair from falling into the environment and/orsetting in which the person is present. Additionally, the beard guard220 prevents any objects from the environment from entering the person'sbeard or facial hair. The facemask 202 is shown generally covering theperson's nose and mouth. In some embodiments, the facemask 202 may alsocover the person's moustache (or similar facial hair). As such, thefacemask 202 prevents any fluids, particles, food, hair and so forthfrom passing from the person's mouth, nose, or moustache from enteringthe environment in which the person is present. Additionally, thefacemask 202 prevents anything from the environment from entering theperson's mouth, nose, or moustache. The face shield 240 in FIG. 1 isshown generally covering an upper portion of the person's face,including the person's eyes and forehead. In some embodiments, the faceshield may also cover at least a portion of the person's hair on theperson's head. As such, the facemask 202 prevents any fluids, particles,and so forth from entering the person's eyes from the environment whileenabling the person to see things in the environment. Additionally, theface shield 240 prevents anything from passing from the person's eyesand/or forehead into the person's environment. Further details andoptions for these protective facial wearables are provided below.

The facemask 202 may contain one or more materials to prevent liquids,food, or other particles from passing from one side of the facemask 202to another side of the facemask 202. In some embodiments, the facemask202 may be made from a synthetic or natural material that substantiallyprevents the passage of liquids, solids or other particles from one sideto the other. In some embodiments, the facemask 202 may include aplurality of layers of materials to improve the preventative passagefeatures of the facemask 202.

FIG. 2 is a close up of front side of the combination beard guard 220,facemask 202, and face shield 240 wearable 200 of FIG. 1. As shown, thefacemask 202 may include a plurality of features that improve itsfunctionality to prevent passage of liquids, solids, and other particlesfrom passing from a first side of the facemask 202 to a second side ofthe facemask 202.

The facemask 202 may include a right edge 212 (when viewed from thefront of the facemask 202) and a left edge 214. As shown, the right edge212 and the left edge 214 are substantially straight and parallel witheach other. In some embodiments, the right edge 212 and the left edge214 are not parallel (for example, the right edge 212 and the left edge214 are tapered toward each other or are curved). As shown, the facemask202 includes crimped surfaces 215 along the right edge 212 and the leftedge 214. In some embodiments, the crimped surfaces may be used togenerally hold the facemask 202 together such that the materials forminga filter portion 209 of the facemask 202 are maintained in place. Thefacemask 202 includes a bottom edge 208 and a top edge 210. As shown,the bottom edge 208 and the top edge 210 are substantially straight andparallel with each other. In some embodiments, the bottom edge 208 andthe top edge 210 are not parallel (for example, the bottom edge 208 andthe top edge 210 are curved). The facemask 202 further includes abottom-crimped portion 216 along the bottom edge 208 and a top maskportion 217 along the top edge 210 that may be formed of a differentmaterial from a remainder of the facemask 202. In some embodiments, thefacemask 202, when flat on a surface, may be substantially rectangularin shape, though other shapes are envisioned instead. In someembodiments, the top edge 210, the bottom edge 208, the left edge 214,and the right edge 212 are all substantially flexible to allow thefacemask 202 to form or adapt to the contours of the person's face. Insome embodiments, only a subset of these edges is substantiallyflexible.

The facemask 202 includes a right side tether 204 and a left side tether206. The right side tether 204 and the left side tether 206 may be usedto hold the facemask 202 in position on the person's face (for example,wrapping the right side tether 204 around one of the person's ears andwrapping the left side tether 206 around the other of the person'sears). In some embodiments, the right side tether 204 and the left sidetether 206 are made or formed from an elastic material or can be tiedaround the person's respective ears.

In some embodiments, the filter portion 209 of the facemask 202 includesone or more folds in the material forming the filter portion 209. Insome embodiments, the folds may allow the filter portion 209 of thefacemask 202 to expand in one or more directions to accommodate thefacial features of the person (for example, the protrusion of theperson's nose, lips, facial hair, and so forth). In some embodiments,the filter portion 209 comprises one or more materials that filterparticles from the air as the person wearing the facemask 202, forexample a cloth-like material or other particulate filter material. Thefacemask 202 further includes a front side 203 as shown in FIG. 2 and aback side 205 (not shown in this figure). The front side 203 may faceaway from the person's face and the back side 205 may face toward theperson's face.

As shown in FIG. 2, the beard guard 220 is positioned below the facemask202 on the person's face. The beard guard 220 includes an inner portion223 (not shown in this figure) and an outer portion 221. The innerportion 223 may face the person's face and generally contain a person'sbeard while the outer portion 221 faces away from the person's face. Thebeard guard 220 may include a trim portion 222 that functions as an edgeof the beard guard 220 and defines an opening of the beard guard 220.The trim portion 222 and the corresponding opening of the beard guard220 may be substantially circular in some embodiments (for example, whenthe trim portion 222 is formed from an elastic material and completelyencloses the opening of the beard guard 220). In some embodiments, thetrim portion 222 is not elastic and does not create a circular openingin the beard guard 220. For example, the opening may be any other shape.On the outer portion 221, the beard guard includes one or more foldsthat allow the beard guard 220 to expand and/or contract as needed toaccommodate the beard and/or facial hair and other features of theperson's face. In some embodiments, the beard guard 220 is substantiallyformed from a net or similar material. For example, the beard guard 220may include a synthetic or natural material netting material.Alternatively, the beard guard 220 may be formed substantially from thesame material as the facemask 202. In some embodiments, the beard guard220 is formed of some material that inhibits hair, particles, facialfeatures (including dead skin or dandruff), and/or jewelry from passingthrough the beard guard 220 but may allow liquids to pass through thebeard guard 220. In some embodiments, though not shown in this figure,the beard guard 220 includes one or more tethers or ties used to holdthe beard guard 220 on the person's beard or face. In some embodiments,the one or more tethers or ties may loop around the person's ears or maytie above or behind the person's head. In some embodiments, the one ormore tethers or ties may include one or more of an adhesive, a hook andloop connection, a clasp, a button, magnetic connections, a zipper, orsimilar adhering means to cause the one or more tethers or ties toconnect to each other or to another wearable to hold the beard guard 220in position. In some embodiments, the beard guard 220 may include anadhesive or other means for fastening the beard guard 220 to thefacemask 202 instead of using the tether. Further details and optionsregarding the beard guard 220 are provided below with reference to FIGS.5A-5B.

As shown in FIG. 2, the face shield 240 is positioned above the facemask202 on the person's face. The face shield 240 may include a front side241 and a back side 243. The back side 243 may face toward or be nearerthe person's nose, eyes and face while the front side 241 may face awayfrom or be farther from the person's nose, eyes and face than the backside 241. In some embodiments, the face shield 240 is formedsubstantially from a transparent material, such as a clear plastic, forexample, a low density or high density polyurethane, a polycarbonate, orsimilar composite or glass. In some embodiments, the face shield 240 maycomprise a coating on an inner that prevents condensation buildup whileworn. In some embodiments, the face shield may be formed to have a shapeor form that generally conforms to facial features and structures of thewearer to make the face shield 240 generally comfortable for the wearer.In some embodiments, the clear plastic or similar material may belighter than glass, thereby reducing strain on the person wearing theface shield 240. The face shield 240 shown in FIG. 2 may include aplurality of edges that form a perimeter of the face shield 240.Starting at a right side of the face shield 240 looking at the faceshield 240 from the front side 241 and moving clockwise, the face shield240 includes a right edge 242 and a bottom right edge 254. Continuingclockwise, the face shield 240 includes a bottom left edge 256. Betweenthe bottom left edge 256 and the bottom right edge 254 exists a notchedportion 258. The notched portion 258 may exist to allow the person towear the facemask 202 without it interfering with the face shield 240 orto give the face shield 240 sufficient flexibility to accommodatevarious facial features and/or structures of the person's face, such asthe person's nose bridge. Continuing clockwise around the face shield240, the face shield 240 includes a left edge 248, a top left corner250, and a top left edge 246. The face shield 240 includes a top rightedge 244 and a top right corner 252 before reaching the right edge 242again. In some embodiments, one or more of these edges and/or cornersmay be curved and/or rounded, which may improve the flexibility of theface shield 240 and/or allow the face shield 240 to better contour tothe person's face. The face shield 240 may include one or more tethers(not shown in this figure). In some embodiments, the one or more tethersmay be used to hold the face shield 240 in place on the person's head bylooping around the person's ears or head. In some embodiments, the faceshield 240 may include an adhesive or other fastening means that allowsthe person to attach the face shield 240 to the facemask 202, a hair netbeing worn by the person, glasses being worn by the person, and soforth, instead of the tether.

In some embodiments, though not explicitly shown in FIG. 2, the facemask202 may be physically connected to the beard guard 220. For example, thefacemask 202 and the beard guard 220 are joined along the bottom edge208 of the facemask 202 where the trim 222 of the beard guard 220 meetsthe facemask 202. In some embodiments, a seam (not shown in this figure)exists where the facemask 202 is connected to the beard guard 220. Insome embodiments, the seam (for example, the connection between thefacemask 202 and the beard guard 220) is physical, for example when thefacemask 202 and the beard guard 220 are sewn, taped, melted, welded,hook and loop fastened, or glued together (or adhered in some othermanner) at one or more locations where the facemask 202 and the beardguard 220 meet or contact. In some embodiments, a physical seam does notexist joining the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 but the facemask202 and the beard guard 220 are joined together, for example using azipper, a hook and loop fastener, or any other means for fastening thatproduces a continuous seam, joint, or connection. In some embodiments,the seam is a continuous seam and ensures that there is no gap where thefacemask 202 and the beard guard 220 meet. In some embodiments, when theseam is continuous, the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 do notoverlap, but instead but against each other. In some embodiments, whenthe seam is continuous, the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 overlapsuch that the facemask 202 is on top of the beard guard 220.Alternatively, facemask 202 is below the beard guard 220. By making theseam continuous, no gap or other opening exists where the facemask 202and the beard guard 220 meet, ensuring that the facemask 202 and thebeard guard 220 maintain their protective properties. For example, whenthe seam is continuous, there is no gap or space for anything to passfrom one side of the facemask 202 or the beard guard 220 to the other,therefore maintaining the protective features of the facemask 202 andthe beard guard 220 for the person and people in the person's vicinity.In some embodiments, the seam is not continuous (for example, when aplurality of buttons or similar fasteners attaches the facemask 202 andthe beard guard 220). When the seam is not continuous, the facemask 202and the beard guard 220 may overlap such that the beard guard 220 coversat least a portion of the front side 203 of the facemask 202. By havingthe beard guard 220 cover at least the portion of the front side 203 ofthe facemask 202, any particles that fall from the back side 204 of thefacemask 202 will fall into the beard guard 220 and not into theenvironment, thereby maintaining protection of the environment fromparticles from the person. Alternatively, the beard guard 220 and thefacemask 202 overlap such that the facemask 202 covers at least aportion of the beard guard 220. This may ensure that any particles fromthe environment do not fall into the beard guard 220, therebymaintaining protection of the person from the environment. Thisembodiment is shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the seams where thebeard guard 220 and the facemask 202 meet may comprise one or more foldsto ensure that nothing from inside the facemask 202 enters into thebeard guard 220 or falls outside the beard guard 220 or the facemask202, or vice versa. Similarly, the seams where the face shield 240 andthe facemask 202 meet may comprise one or more folds to ensure thatnothing from inside the face shield 240 enters into the facemask 202 orfalls outside the face shield 240 or the facemask 202, or vice versa.

Similarly, in some embodiments, though not explicitly shown in FIG. 2,the facemask 202 may be physically connected to the face shield 240. Forexample, the facemask 202 and the face shield are joined along the topedge 210 of the facemask 202, for example near where the face shield 240(for example, the bottom right edge 254 and the bottom left edge 256)touches the face shield 240. In some embodiments, a seam (not shown inthis figure) exists where the facemask 202 is connected to the faceshield 240. In some embodiments, the seam (for example, the connectionbetween the facemask 202 and the face shield 240) is physical, forexample when the facemask 202 and the face shield 240 are sewn, taped,melted, hook and loop fastened, welded, or glued together (or adhered insome other manner) together. In some embodiments, a physical seam doesnot exist joining the facemask 202 and the face shield 240 but thefacemask 202 and the face shield 240 are joined together, for exampleusing a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, or any other means forfastening that produces a continuous seam, joint, or connection. In someembodiments, the seam is a continuous seam and ensures that there is nogap where the facemask 202 and the face shield 240 meet. In someembodiments, when the seam is continuous, the facemask 202 and the faceshield 240 do not overlap. In some embodiments, when the seam iscontinuous, the facemask 202 and the face shield 240 overlap such thatthe facemask 202 is on top of the face shield 240. Alternatively,facemask 202 is below the face shield 240. By making the seamcontinuous, no gap or other opening exists where the facemask 202 andthe face shield 240 meet, ensuring that the facemask 202 and the faceshield 240 maintain their protective properties. For example, when theseam is continuous, there is no gap or space for anything to pass fromone side of the facemask 202 or the face shield 240 to the other,therefore maintaining the protective features of the facemask 202 andthe face shield 240 for the person and people in the person's vicinity.In some embodiments, the seam is not continuous (for example, when aplurality of buttons or similar fasteners attaches the facemask 202 andthe face shield 240). When the seam is not continuous, the facemask 202and the face shield 240 may overlap such that the face shield 240 coversat least a portion of the front side 203 of the facemask 202. By havingthe face shield 240 cover at least the portion of the front side 203 ofthe facemask 202, any particles that fall from the inside 243 of theface shield 240 will fall into the facemask 202 and not into theenvironment, thereby maintaining protection of the environment fromparticles from the person. Alternatively, the face shield 240 and thefacemask 202 overlap such that the facemask 202 covers at least aportion of the outside 241 of the face shield 240. This may ensure thatany particles from the environment do not fall into the facemask 202,thereby maintaining protection of the person from the environment.

In some embodiments, the facemask 202, the beard guard 220, and the faceshield 240 may be individual components or pieces held onto the person'sface via individual means (for example, via individual tethers).However, when the facemask 202, the beard guard 220, and the face shield240 are connected together using one or more fastening means, asdescribed herein, the combination facial protection wearable may be moreeasily applied, worn, and removed. For example, when the facemask 202,the beard guard 220, and the face shield 240 form a single wearable,only one tether or set of tethers may be needed to hold the entirewearable in place on the person's head as opposed to using tethers foreach individual component. The reduced number of tethers may reduce theforces applied to different parts of the person's head without reducingan ability to hold the wearable in place without moving. In someembodiments, by reducing the number of tethers, the different componentsof the wearable (for example, the facemask 202, the beard guard 220, andthe face shield 240) do not move as much relative to each other as whenthey are not connected together and tethered by a single set of tethers.Additionally, when the facemask 202, the beard guard 220, and the faceshield 240 are combined in the wearable, the wearable may be formed toensure that no particles from the person will enter the environment,vice versa, or both (for example, when the seams between the individualcomponents are continuous). Further details of combining the facemask202, the beard guard 220, and the face shield 240 into the singlewearable are provided below, with reference to FIGS. 3-5B.

FIG. 3 is a close up of a back side of the combination beard guard 220,facemask 202, and face shield 240 wearable of FIG. 1. In someembodiments, the beard guard 220 is attached to the facemask 202 via atape 302 (for example, a cloth tape, a fabric tape, and so forth) or anyother attachment means (such as a sewn or threaded connection, glue,hook and loop fasteners, melting, and so froth). In some embodiments,the tape 302 (or other means for adhering the facemask 202 to the beardguard 220) may be permanently attached or removably attached. Though notshown, the facemask 202 and the face shield 240 may also be attachedusing tape. The wearable shown in FIG. 3 includes the single set oftethers (the right tether 204 and the left tether 206 from the facemask202). The face shield 240 is shown connected to the facemask 202 alongthe top edge 210 of the facemask 202. The beard guard 220 is shownconnected to the facemask 202 along the bottom edge 208 of the facemask202. The right tether 204 and the left tether 206 are shown attached tothe facemask 202 at tether connections 207. As shown, the right tether204 connects to the facemask 202 at two tether connections 207 along theright edge 212 and the left tether 206 connects to the facemask 202 attwo tether connections along the left side 214. As shown, the tetherconnections 207 may be positioned on or near the right and left crimpedportions 215. In some embodiments, the tether connections 207 maycomprise one or more of crimped connections, permanent connections,glued connections, removable connections, and so forth. When the tetherconnections 207 are removable, the tethers 204 and 206 may be removedfrom and attached to the facemask 202. The back side of the wearableshown in FIG. 3 also depicts the inside 223 of the beard guard 220, theback side 205 of the facemask 202, and the inside 243 of the face shield240. Additionally, the wearable shown in FIG. 3 also shows a piece oftape 275 that adheres the beard guard 220 to the bottom edge 208 of thefacemask 202. In some embodiments, the face shield 240 may be adhered tothe top edge 210 of the facemask 202 using an adhesive not explicitlyshown in this figure. The wearable of FIG. 3 provides a better view ofthe substantially circular opening of the beard guard 220 as formed bythe trim 222. In some embodiments, the trim 222 is formed from anelastic material to enable the shape of the trim 222 to change toaccommodate the facial features and beard/facial hair of the person, asdescribed above.

The wearable of FIG. 3 shows both the inside 223 and the outside 221 ofthe beard guard 220, along with the folds 224 of the beard guard 220.The wearable of FIG. 3 also shows the back side 205 of the facemask 202,along with the bottom crimped edge 216, the right and left crimped edges215, a top mask portion 217, the right edge 212 and the left edge 214,the top edge 210 and the bottom edge 208, and the folds 218. The view ofthe beard guard 220 may show how the trim 222 (when made of an elasticor similar material) can expand (for example, be pulled out from thepage) to accommodate larger beards or facial hair or facial features).In some embodiments, one or more of the top mask portion 217, the sidesmask portions 215, and the bottom mask portion 216 includes a componentthat allows the corresponding edge of the facemask 202 to be bent andmaintained in a particular shape. For example, the component may includea piece of malleable metal, plastic, or similar material. In someembodiments, wearable of FIG. 3 shows the inside 243 of the face shield240, the top left edge 244, the right edge 242, the left edge 248, andthe bottom right edge 254 of the face shield 240. The tape 275 may bereplaced with any other fastening means as described herein. In someembodiments, the tape 275 is shown covering an edge or seam 225 wherethe facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 meet and are connectedtogether. In some embodiments, this seam 225 may rest along the person'sface to create a “seal” between the wearable of FIG. 3 and person's face(or at least a portion thereof). Similarly, in some embodiments, the topedge 210 of the facemask 202 may rest along the person's face to createanother seal between the wearable of FIG. 3 and the person's face (or atleast a portion thereof). In some embodiments, the left edge 248 and theright edge 242 are curved or tapered from top edges 250, 246, 247, 244,and 252 to lower edges 256 and 258 to enable the face shield 240 to becomfortably worn by different people of different facial structures andsizes while maximizing protection provided.

While FIGS. 1-3 above discuss the wearable as a combination of thefacemask 202, the beard guard 220, and the face shield 240, FIG. 4 belowdescribes an alternate embodiment of the beard guard 220 that may beused in conjunction with the wearable described with relation to FIGS.1-3 and herein.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the beard guard 220 wearable having strapsattached thereto to hold the beard guard 220 in place on the person ofFIG. 1. The beard guard 220 as shown shows the trim 222 forming adeformed shape that would be placed around the person's face and/orbeard, the inside 223 of the beard guard 220, the outside 221 of thebeard guard 220, and the folds 224 of the beard guard 220. The folds inthe beard guard 220 allow the beard guard 220 to expand or contract insize to accommodate different sized beards and so forth. Additionally,the beard guard 220 in FIG. 4 shows a plurality of straps 226. Thesestraps 226 may be positioned around the beard guard 220 to better holdthe beard guard 220 to the person's head. For example, the large widthof the straps 226 ensure that more of the beard guard 220 is helddirectly by the straps 226. Additionally, the large width of the straps226 also spreads the force applied by the straps 226 to person's headout over a larger surface area of the person's head as compared to thetethers described above or narrower straps 226. In some embodiments, thecontact by the straps 226 with the larger surface area of the person'shead also increases the friction by the straps 226 on the person's head,thereby improving the ability for the straps 226 to hold the beard guard220 in place on the person's face or beard.

FIG. 4 also shows that one or more of the straps 226 are attached to thebeard guard 220 via the tape 302 or other attachment means. In someembodiments, the straps 226 may be positioned or distributed around thetrim 222 of the beard guard 220. In some embodiments, the straps 226 maybe distributed equidistantly from each other. In some embodiments, thestraps 226 may be positioned on the beard guard 220 such that the straps226 hold the beard guard 220 on the wearer's head while not disruptingthe wearer's vision, breathing, and so forth. In some embodiments, thestraps 226 may comprise one or more of crimped connections, permanentconnections, taped connections, glued connections, removableconnections, and so forth. When the straps 226 are removable, the straps226 may be removed from and reattached to the beard guard 220.

FIG. 5A shows a diagram of a front view of a first option of the beardguard 220 and the facemask 202 of FIG. 1. The facemask 202 is showncovering at least a portion of the person's moustache 502, which isshown substantially between the person's nose and mouth, such that theperson's moustache 502 may be in contact with the back side 205 of thefacemask 202. The beard guard 220 covers the person's beard, which isshown on the person's chin, such that the person's beard 504 may be incontact with the inner portion 223 of the beard guard 220. As shown, abottom edge of the facemask 202 and a top edge of the beard guard 220generally form a seam along with the facemask 202 and the beard guard220 are attached, at least along a front portion of the wearer's face.Though not shown in this figure, the facemask 202 may be attached to theperson's face using tethers that wrap around the person's ears.Similarly, the beard guard 220 may be attached to the person's headusing the straps 226. In some embodiments, though not shown in thisfigure, the person may be wearing a hair net 240. In such embodiments,one or both of the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 attaches to ahair net worn by the person (for example, using hook and loop fasteners,magnetic fasteners, buttons, clips, ties, and any other fasteningmeans). In some embodiments, as described herein, the facemask 202 andthe beard guard 220 may be connected so that only one of the tethers204-206 and/or the straps 226 are needed to attach the facemask 202 andthe beard guard 220 to the person. The other of the tethers and thestraps may be removed.

FIG. 5B shows a diagram of a side view of the first option of the beardguard 220 and the facemask 202 of FIG. 1 including one or more straps226 to hold the beard guard 220 and a tether 204 to hold the facemask202 in place on a person's head. The side view shows that the facemask202 is attached to the person's head using the tether 204 that wrapsaround the person's ear. Additionally, the side view generally shows howmuch of the person's face the facemask 202 will cover. Similarly, theside view generally shows how much of the person's beard and face thebeard guard 220 will cover. The beard guard 220 is shown covering theperson's beard and using the straps 226 to attach the beard guard 220 tothe person's head. The beard guard 220 also shows how the trim 222 isgenerally on the person's face to hold the beard guard 220 to theperson's face so that hair cannot escape from the beard guard 220. Insome embodiments, the combination of the tethers 204/206 and the straps226 may be used together to hold the beard guard 220 and the facemask202 onto the person's head in a matter that reduces stress on theperson's ears and head and make the combination beard guard 220 andfacemask 202 comfortably wearable for extensive periods of time (forexample, many hours at a time). In some embodiments, the combination oftethers 204/206 and straps 226 may make the beard guard 220 and facemask202 each for the person to put on themselves or have others put on theperson. In some embodiments, one or more of the tethers 204/206 andstraps 226 described herein may be detachable or removable. For example,when the beard guard 220 and the facemask 202 are connected to createthe single protective facial wearable, one or more of the tethers204/206 and the straps 226 may become extraneous. For example, thetethers 204/206 may be unnecessary when the straps 226 are available toattach to hold the protective facial wearable on the person's face, orvice versa. In such a case, the unnecessary or extraneous tethers204/206 or straps 226 may be removed. This prevents these tethers204/206 or straps 226 from getting in the way of the person. In someembodiments, the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 may not overlapfor an entirety of the respective bottom and top edges. For example, asshown in FIG. 5B, portions of the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220do not overlap, for example along a cheek and/or jaw of the person. Insome embodiments, though not shown in this figure, the facemask 202 andthe beard guard 220 do overlap for substantially an entirety of therespective bottom and top edges.

FIG. 5C shows a diagram of a front view of a second option of the beardguard and the facemask of FIG. 1. The facemask 202 is shown covering atleast a portion of the person's moustache 502, which is shownsubstantially between the person's nose and mouth, such that theperson's moustache 502 is in contact with the back side 205 of thefacemask 202. The beard guard 220 covers the person's beard, which isshown on the person's chin, such that the person's beard 504 is incontact with the inner portion 223 of the beard guard 220. As shown, abottom edge of the facemask 202 and a top edge of the beard guard 220generally form a seam along with the facemask 202 and the beard guard220 are attached, at least along a front portion of the wearer's face.Though not shown explicitly in this figure, the facemask 202 may beattached to the person's face using the straps 226 that wrap around, forexample, a top of the person's head. Similarly, the beard guard 220 maybe attached to the person's head using the straps 226. In someembodiments, though not shown in this figure, the person may be wearinga hair net. In such embodiments, one or both of the facemask 202 and thebeard guard 220 attaches to the hair net (for example, using hook andloop fasteners, magnetic fasteners, buttons, clips, and any otherfastening means). In some embodiments, as described herein, the facemask202 and the beard guard 220 may be connected so that only one of thetethers and/or the straps are needed to attach the facemask 202 and thebeard guard 220 to the person.

FIG. 5D shows a diagram of a side view of the second option of the beardguard and the facemask of FIG. 1 including one strap to hold the beardguard and the facemask in place on a person's head. Different from theside view of FIG. 5B of the first option, the side view of FIG. 5D ofthe second option shows that both the facemask 202 and the beard guard220 are attached to the person's head using the straps 226.Additionally, the strap 226 shown from the side view is a wide strapthat extends along a majority of the side of the head of the person.Such a large/wide strap will improve the holding of the beard guard 220and the face shield 202 on the person's head without movement and maymake the beard guard 220 and the face shield 202 easier to wear (forexample, reduced stress on the person's head at any one location). Asshown, the straps 226 may tie or be attached at the top of the person'shead. Additionally, the side view of the beard guard 220 and the faceshield 202 are joined with the seam 225 of FIG. 3 shown. Additionally,the side view generally shows how much of the person's face the facemask202 will cover. Similarly, the side view generally shows how much of theperson's beard and face the beard guard 220 will cover. The beard guard220 also shows how the trim 222 generally helps form the seam 225 on theperson's face to hold the beard guard 220 to the person's face so thathair cannot escape from the beard guard 220. The seam 225 is created asthe facemask 202 (face portion) and the beard guard 220 (facial hairportion) are clasped, buttoned, magnetically attached, zippered, sewn,taped, melted, welded, hook and loop fastened, glued or adheredtogether. The seam 225 extends continuously between the facemask 202(face portion) and the beard guard 220 (facial hair portion) and from afirst edge on a first side of the user's face to a second edge on asecond side of the user's face. The seam 225 is configured to disallowhair or facial features or dead skin or dandruff or jewelry from a firstside (closer to the user's face) of the facemask 202 (face portion) andthe beard guard 220 (facial hair portion) from passing through to theother side positioned away from the user's face of the facemask 202(face portion) and the beard guard 220 (facial hair portion).

In some embodiments, the straps 226 are generally connected to thefacemask 202 as shown. Alternatively, the straps 226 may be connecteddirectly to the beard guard 220. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG.5D, the straps 226 may have a tapered shape from where the connect tothe beard guard 220 or the facemask 202 to where they tie or connect ontop of the person's head. For example, the straps 226 may attach to anentire top surface or edge of the beard guard 220 or the facemask 202.As shown in FIG. 5D, the straps 226 may attach to a majority of the topsurface or edge of the beard guard 220 or the facemask 202. For example,the strap 226 may attach to the facemask 202 or the beard guard 220 nearwhere the facemask 202 covers the person's nose, and the strap 226 mayhave a width that extends to near the person's ear. In some embodiments,the width of the strap 226 tapers from a first width where it attachesto the beard guard 220 or the facemask 202 (for example, a distance fromnear the person's nose to near the person's ear) to a second width wherethe straps are tied or attached to each other, of approximately half thefirst width. In some embodiments, the second width may be one third orone quarter of the first width. As shown in FIG. 5D, the taper from thefirst width to the second width is not linear; for example, thereduction or tapering in the width of the straps 226 may be greaternearest where the straps 226 attach to the beard guard 220 or thefacemask 202. In some embodiments, the taper of the strap 226 from thefirst width to the second width is linear. In some embodiments, thetapered straps 226 may be attached to the beard guard 220 or thefacemask 202 near a back portion of the beard guard 220 or the facemask202 (for example, portion near the back of the person's head). In someembodiments, instead of the tethers 204/206 on the facemask 202, thestraps 226 (tapered or not tapered) may be used to attach the facemask202 to the wearer's head. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5D ascompared to FIG. 5B, one or more of the tethers 204/206 or the straps226 may be removable; specifically, FIG. 5D shows that the tethers204/206 are not used to attach the protective facial wearable includingthe facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 to the wearer's head and, thus,may be removable. In some embodiments, the facemask 202 and the beardguard 220 may or may not overlap for an entirety of the respectivebottom and top edges. For example, as shown in FIG. 5D, portions of thefacemask 202 and the beard guard 220 do contact along the entire seam,for example along a cheek and/or jaw of the person. In some embodiments,though not shown in this figure, the facemask 202 and the beard guard220 do overlap for substantially an entirety of the respective bottomand top edges.

FIG. 5E shows a diagram of a front view of a third option of the beardguard and the facemask of FIG. 1. The facemask 202 is shown covering atleast a portion of the person's moustache 502, which is shownsubstantially between the person's nose and mouth, such that theperson's moustache 502 is in contact with the back side 205 of thefacemask 202. The beard guard 220 covers the person's beard, which isshown on the person's chin, such that the person's beard 504 is incontact with the inner portion 223 of the beard guard 220. As shown, abottom edge of the facemask 202 and a top edge of the beard guard 220generally form a seam along with the facemask 202 and the beard guard220 are attached, at least along a front portion of the wearer's face.Thought not shown explicitly in this figure, the facemask 202 may beattached to the person's face using the straps 226 that wrap around, forexample, a top of the person's head. In some embodiments, the facemask202 shown in FIG. 5C is smaller than the facemask 202 shown in FIGS.1-5B. Thought not shown in this figure, the facemask 202 may be attachedto the person's face using the straps 226 that wrap around the person'shead. Similarly, the beard guard 220 may be attached to the person'shead using the straps 226. In some embodiments, though not shown in thisfigure, the person may be wearing a hair net. In such embodiments, oneor both of the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 attaches to the hairnet (for example, using hook and loop fasteners, magnetic fasteners,buttons, clips, and any other fastening means). In some embodiments, asdescribed herein, the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 may beconnected so that only one of the tethers and/or the straps are neededto attach the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 to the person.

FIG. 5F shows a diagram of a side view of the third option of the beardguard and the facemask of FIG. 1 including straps to hold the beardguard and the facemask in place on a person's head. Different from theside view of FIG. 5B of the first option and the side view of FIG. 5D ofthe second option, the side view of FIG. 5F of the third option showsthat both the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 are attached to theperson's head using the straps 226. However, unlike the second option,the third option shows two straps 226, one at the front of the person'shead (for example, near the face) and one at the back of the person'shead. Additionally, the straps 226 shown from the side view are narrowerthan the strap shown in FIG. 5D. By having a plurality of straps 226 asshown in FIG. 5F, the person may have additional customization optionsand/or attachment options for the straps 226. Additionally, more straps226 may improve the holding of the beard guard 220 and the face shield202 on the person's head without movement and may make the beard guard220 and the face shield 202 easier to wear (for example, reduced stresson the person's head at any one location). As shown, the straps 226 maytie or be attached at the top of the person's head. Additionally, theside view of the beard guard 220 and the face shield 202 are joined withthe seam 225 of FIG. 3 shown. Additionally, the side view generallyshows how much of the person's face the facemask 202 will cover.Similarly, the side view generally shows how much of the person's beardand face the beard guard 220 will cover. The beard guard 220 also showshow the trim 222 generally helps form the seam 225 on the person's faceto hold the beard guard 220 to the person's face so that hair cannotescape from the beard guard 220. In some embodiments, the facemask 202and the beard guard 220 may overlap or create the seam along an entiretyof the respective bottom and top edges. For example, as shown in FIG.5F, portions of the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 do overlap orform the seam, for example along a cheek and/or jaw of the person. Insome embodiments, though not shown in this figure, the facemask 202 andthe beard guard 220 do overlap for substantially an entirety of therespective bottom and top edges.

Additional Embodiments

It is to be understood that not necessarily all objects or advantagesmay be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment describedherein. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize thatcertain embodiments may be configured to operate in a manner thatachieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taughtherein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as maybe taught or suggested herein.

The various features and processes described herein may be usedindependently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. Allpossible combinations and sub-combinations are intended to fall withinthe scope of this disclosure.

Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or“may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understoodwithin the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are inany way required for one or more embodiments or that one or moreembodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without userinput or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps areincluded or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to present that an item, term, and so forth,may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (for example, X, Y,and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to,and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one ofX, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” shouldgenerally be interpreted to include one or more described items.Accordingly, phrases such as “a device configured to” are intended toinclude one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devicescan also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations.For example, “a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B andC” can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation Aworking in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry outrecitations B and C.

It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may bemade to the herein-described embodiments, the elements of which are tobe understood as being among other acceptable examples. All suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included herein withinthe scope of this disclosure. The foregoing description details certainembodiments. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter howdetailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems and methods can bepracticed in many ways. As is also stated herein, it should be notedthat the use of particular terminology when describing certain featuresor aspects of the systems and methods should not be taken to imply thatthe terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to includingany specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the systemsand methods with which that terminology is associated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A face piece having a first side and a secondside, the face piece being configured to block first particulates andsecond particulates, the face piece comprising: a face portionconfigured to cover a nose and a mouth of a wearer; a facial hairportion configured to cover a chin of the wearer; and a first seamconnecting the face portion and the facial hair portion, the faceportion and the facial hair portion arranged and connected such that thefirst particulates and the second particulates are prevented frompassing from the first side of the face piece to the second side at thefirst seam.
 2. The face piece of claim 1, wherein the face portioncomprises: one or more first breathable layers configured to preventconveyance of first particulates of a first size from a first side to asecond side of the face piece, and one or more face straps configured toextend to and around at least one portion of the wearer's head and holdthe face portion in a position covering the nose and mouth of thewearer.
 3. The face piece of claim 2, wherein the one or more facestraps are removable.
 4. The face piece of claim 1, wherein the facialhair portion comprises: one or more second breathable layers configuredto prevent conveyance of second particulates of a second size from thefirst side to the second side of the facial piece, the second size beinglarger than the first size, and one or more straps configured to holdthe facial hair portion in a second position such that a majority offacial hair of the wearer is arranged within a cavity formed on thefirst side of the face piece by the one or more breathable layers of thefacial hair portion.
 5. The face piece of claim 4, wherein the one ormore face straps are removable:
 6. The face piece of claim 1, furthercomprising a shield portion configured to cover eyes of the wearer, theshield portion comprising: one or more transparent layers configured toprevent conveyance of third particulates of a third size from the firstside to the second side of the facial piece without obstructing a viewthrough the shield portion, and one or more shield straps configured tohold the shield portion in a third position covering the eyes of thewearer, wherein the shield portion and the face portion are arranged andconnected such that the first, second, and third particulates areprevented from passing from the first side of the face piece to thesecond side at a second seam where the face portion and the shieldportion are connected.
 7. The face piece of claim 1, wherein the one ormore straps comprise first and second front straps and first and secondback straps, and wherein the first and second front straps are arrangedin front of ears of the wearer and nearer to the first seam as comparedto the first and second back straps, which are arranged behind the earsof the wearer.
 8. The face piece of claim 1, wherein the one or morestraps are configured to be one or more of (1) extended to and around atleast one portion of the wearer's head, (2) tied together at a one ormore locations of a head of the wearer, (3) removably fastened to a hairnet worn by the wearer, and (4) removably coupled to an item worn by thewearer.
 9. The face piece of claim 1, wherein, when the pace piece isworn by a user, the first side is configured to be positioned facingaway from a user's face and the second side is configured to bepositioned facing towards the user's face.
 10. The face piece of claim1, wherein, when the pace piece is worn by a user, the second side isconfigured to be positioned facing away from a user's face and the firstside is configured to be positioned facing towards the user's face. 11.The face piece of claim 1, wherein the face portion and the facial hairportion are clasped, buttoned, magnetically attached, zippered, sewn,taped, melted, welded, hook and loop fastened, glued or adhered togetherto create the seam.
 12. The face piece of claim 1, wherein the seamextends continuously between the face portion and the facial hairportion from a first edge on a first side of the user's face to a secondedge on a second side of the user's face.
 13. A face piece, comprising:a face portion configured to cover a nose and a mouth of a wearer, theface portion comprising: one or more first breathable layers, and one ormore face straps attached to the one or more first breathable layers; afacial hair portion configured to cover a chin of the wearer, the facialhair portion comprising: one or more second breathable layers, and oneor more straps attached to the one or more second breathable layers,wherein the face portion and the facial hair portion are arranged andconnected at a first seam.
 14. A method of wearing a face piece, themethod comprising: positioning a face portion of the face piece to covera nose and a mouth of a wearer, the face portion comprising: one or morefirst breathable layers, and one or more face straps attached to the oneor more first breathable layers; and positioning a facial hair portionto cover a chin and beard of the wearer, the facial hair portioncomprising: one or more second breathable layers, and one or more strapsattached to the one or more second breathable layers, wherein the faceportion and the facial hair portion are arranged and connected at afirst seam.